Once again, The Northern Echo will be running the popular Cricketer of the Year award.

Sponsored by cricket equipment specialists Mike Gough Sports of Hartlepool, the aim is to recognise spectacular achievements in North-East cricket.

Who can forget the 2003 winner, when young Anthony McMahon of Chester-le-Street made the Guinness Book of Records and went onto meet Sir Garfield Sobers after crashing six sixes in an over?

The first award will cover both April and May, with monthly awards to follow throughout the summer.

Look out for the entry form each week in both The Northern Echo and Local Heroes supplement.

* Mike Gough Sports of York Road, Hartlepool can be contacted on 01429 26022.